PROBATIONER NURSES

Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 2

PROBATIONER NURSES

THE ST. HELENS FEES [Froji Odk Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 8. A report to the Southland Hospital Board recently stated that probationary nurses at St. Helens hospitals receive £2O per annum in wages. Mr Denham (Invercargill) called the attention of the Minister of Health to this statement in an urgent question, and asked if lie would take immediate steps to increase the salaries of this section of the nursing staff, who are giving such valuable service. The reply of Mr Armstrong (Minister of Health) indicated that it was originally the practice to charge a premium for training in maternity work. This was later substituted by a system of free board and lodging but no salary. It was decided in 1936 to follow the system which had become general among hospital boards of paying a small allowance to trainees, this being at the rate of £25 per annum, with free board and lodging. It was recognised, added Air Armstrong. that the introduction of the social and national security taxes had substantially reduced the amount paid, and therefore the whole question of allowances was being reviewed.